[Vestassolidarity] update from the island

[Bob Sutton]

Update from the blog about the ongoing importance of the blockade. Reminder
that there is still money available to send people down. Call Bob
07843945005, Ed 07775763750 or the Camp site phone on 07935868009.

doodle for activists: http://www.doodle.com/k5zmuc7zu63iw65d
Two signs that the blade blockade is biting – so come and join
us!<http://savevestas.wordpress.com/2009/09/17/two-signs-that-the-blade-blockade-is-biting-come-and-join-us/>

If it weren’t hurting them, Vestas would be able to ignore the blade
blockade at the factory in Newport, Isle of Wight. But it is hurting them.
They can’t get the remaining blades and valuable equipment out, and so they
have approached the Isle of Wight council for two kinds of help. One channel
of communication is threatening; the other promising.

On Wednesday the camp at the Marine Gate was served with legal papers
stating that the Isle of Wight council considers the blade blockade an
‘unauthorised traveller encampment’ and that they will try to recover the
land it is on.

Meanwhile, while these papers were being prepared, council leader David Pugh
spoke to the sacked Vestas workers. Like Vestas he wants the blockade
removed, but the workers pointed out that it is their main source of
leverage with the Vestas company. Pugh offered to talk to Vestas, and
claimed Vestas told him they have sent letters to the sacked workers about
possible reinstatement. The workers have told Pugh that is not true – they
have received no letters. Pugh has said that he will speak to Vestas again,
this time to Paddy Weir, the plant manager.

So that’s where it stands: the legal papers are not likely to be processed
immediately; before the legal threat is acted on, Vestas has a chance to
speak to the Vestas workers. There is every sign that the blade blockade is
biting. We ask you to come and strengthen the blockade and help the Vestas
workers to win.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://lists.aktivix.org/pipermail/vestassolidarity/attachments/20090918/8e2a8a72/attachment.htm>